“I’m hugely proud to have been chosen by my fellow Labour councillors to lead my home city at this challenging but exciting time.

“I want to pay tribute to the work of my predecessor Cllr Dave Green. He took on the mantle of leadership at an extremely difficult time for our Party and brought about major change and significant improvements for our district – he stands down with Bradford in far, far better shape than when he became leader.

“Now I want to take us to the next level. As a Bradfordian who has had great opportunities from a comprehensive education and upbringing here, I want even better for future generations.

“I want Bradford to fulfil our potential - to be known for our distinct brand of energy, diversity and entrepreneurialism.

“I want us to have strong ties with other major cities and increase our national positive profile.

“We know more disproportionate and damaging cuts are on their way from David Cameron’s Tory government and I’ll stand up against them, but we can’t stand by and wait for a change in Westminster. Bradford needs to punch above its weight now on the regional and national stage, and that’s what I’ll aim to provide in my leadership.”